Practical Question for Runners

Approximately how many pairs of running socks are enough that you aren't constantly looking under your bed or rifling through your drawers to find a pair that isn't in the laundry? Or is this inevitable, no matter how many socks you actually have?

Comments

[pjm]

In any laundry situation, there is always a "limiting item," the item which runs out first and triggers the, "it's time to do laundry" motivation. (There's an analogous situation with dishes, but usually the size of the dishwasher is more of an issue.) In your case it seems to be socks.

The trick is simply to make something else the limiting item, because there is no "enough" with socks. When you make something else the limiting factor (i.e. shorts, or good, not-cotton running shirts,) you find you have "favorite" socks, and you wish you had "enough" of those... that way lies madness.

For what it's worth, I favor Smartwool.

[Bill Altreuter]

It depends on how many people are raiding the running socks catche. In my house that's four other people, only one other of whom runs, which means that it is a good plan to buy a new pair every time you want to run.

[mad]

A quantitative answer: I think I have five pairs of the thorlo socks I like to run in. This seems to be sufficient for the number of runs I do between laundry days. But I have only one "favorite" pair, with purple butterflies on them, and I always make sure these are clean for race day.

[Dave]

I think there is a magic number, but it probably approaches infinity in some parabolic way or another. (math is not my strong suit)

I probably have 15 pairs of athletic socks of one variety or another (thin ones for cycling [DeFeet, Pearl Izumi), semi-thicker ones for running (Adidas, Smartwool), and thicker ones for golf (some cheap coolmax ones)). I always seem to be out of them. Or at least one of the pair.

For what it's worth, the Smartwool ones are my favorite. I may just buy a bunch of those. But probably less than an infinite number.

[jdz]

No matter how many I have, I still always run out. I too am a big fan of Thorlo and SmartWool socks, altho I have recently bought a couple pairs of cheap coolmax socks at Target to have around for when the others turn up missing (which in my case is often). I also have probably 5 or 6 pairs of cycling socks that can double as running socks. The problem with bike socks however is that if you lose one, you are forced to either wear a pair that looks COMPLETELY different or toss the old sock. I currently have a box in my closet full of cute lonely bike socks that are desperatly hoping their partners will somehow appear!

[Lynne]

I keep two weeks of gym socks around. I get some cheapies, all the same. That way, if I lose some, I can still match all the socks that are left. I just don't have time to stop the world to wash my socks so having a nice big supply on hand ensures that I don't miss my run.

[Stanley Feldman]

I have been running since 1984. Every time I found the "perfect" socks they discontinued them. Of course, this presented opportunities for improvement.

The absolute best running (or otherwise) socks in the world are Smartwool. They are more expensive but worth it. Turn then inside out to wash them and then they line dry. (Safety pin them together before you wash them)!

[Phillip Crone]

I've been running for 25 years and have never worn anything but Thorlo socks, they are the best. I've written a new motivational book about success, exercising and reaching your potential, I retired at the age of 36. If you purchase my $13.95 book I'll give you a coupon for a free pair of Thorlo running socks, retail value of $10.99 plus Thorlo will even pay for the shipping. Great socks and I think my book could help change your life for the better. Thank you.